Daniel 3:1-18 New Living Translation
Nebuchadnezzar’s Gold Statue
1 King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. 3 So all these officials came and stood before the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
4 Then a herald shouted out, “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command! 5 When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments, bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. 6 Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.”
7 So at the sound of the musical instruments, all the people, whatever their race or nation or language, bowed to the ground and worshiped the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8 But some of the astrologers went to the king and informed on the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “Long live the king! 10 You issued a decree requiring all the people to bow down and worship the gold statue when they hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments. 11 That decree also states that those who refuse to obey must be thrown into a blazing furnace. 12 But there are some Jews—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—whom you have put in charge of the province of Babylon. They pay no attention to you, Your Majesty. They refuse to serve your gods and do not worship the gold statue you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Sermon
“The God Who Can, But May Not”
Weekly Prayer Request
Mel Cook, Scott Harvey, A.J. Pitts, Doug Ramsey, Dareon Winston and Debra Woods.
* If you would like to add someone to the weekly prayer list please reply or send an email to tuxedo.park@sbcglobal.net
Announcements
Zumba with Suzanne: Is every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. (1-hour sessions). Get fit, have fun, and enjoy Latin music-inspired dance workouts. Contact Suzanne for details!
Bread & Word: (Food Pantry and Clothing Center) will be open on the following Thursdays: 10/9/25, 10/23/25, 11/6/25, 11/20/25, 12/4/25 and 12/18/25.
Upcoming Safety Training at Tuxedo Park: We are offering two important FREE training opportunities this October:
Saturday, October 18 @ 10:00 a.m. – Adult, Child & Infant CPR and AED Certification
Saturday, October 25 @ 10:00 a.m. – First Aid Training
Each class runs approximately 2–3 hours, and only 12 slots are available for each session. All students who complete the training will be issued a certification card. A continental breakfast will be provided at each training. These classes typically cost around $150 per person, but we are offering them at no cost to parishioners. If you’re interested in participating, please let Pastor Eddie know as soon as possible.
World Mission Offering: This month, we join all American Baptist churches in supporting the World Mission Offering. Our gifts help share Christ’s love in over 70 countries through health care, education, refugee support, and more. Please consider giving to this global mission.
Caribbean Feast: Get ready for a flavorful celebration! On Sunday, October 19, our very own Winnie Gill will be preparing a Caribbean-style feast for the church. Come hungry and come ready to enjoy a vibrant meal filled with island-inspired dishes, fellowship, and joy. You don’t want to miss this delicious gathering.
2025 Monthly Fellowship Calendar
- OCTOBER ???? Caribbean Fest Sunday, October 19, 2025
- NOVEMBER ???? Thanksgiving with the Smiths Sunday, November 23, 2025
- DECEMBER ???? Christmas Eve Dinner Tuesday, December 24, 2025
Clothing Closet
The Clothing Closet is seeking donations for any of the items listed below.
Gently used items are acceptable. Bolded items are sorely needed.
Laundry Detergent
Bath Towels
Children’s Winter Clothes (size:4 and up)
Blankets
Pillowcases
Sheets
Hooded Sweatshirts (size: Small, Medium, Large)
Men’s Boxer Shorts (size: Large and 2X)
Men’s Jeans (waist size: 32-38)
Men’s Jeans (waist size 30-32)
Men’s Sneakers (size: 9-12)
Women’s Tennis Shoes (sizes: 8-9 ½)
Boost & Ensure Empty Bottles
